2009. Just South of the Equator, Tanzania Africa

We flew into Kilimanjara, Africa's highest mountain (19,340 feet). This trip didn't involve hiking so we enjoyed the mountain from a distance. Then we traveled around the Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and ended in Zanzibar.

We got to see all of the Big Five game (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and cape buffalo).

The Wildebeest migration was happening when we were there. Mother nature was on our side with the precise timing entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns. It was amazing to hear their noise, feel the ground vibration and see the dust as they would trample by. In the evenings, we would sit outside with our beer and wine and take in the greatest show on earth.

Zebras were my fav. Not sure why other than their distinct color.

We visited a village where we interacted with the people. They were friendly and curious, just like us.

The children's school was out in the open. When we arrived, they sang us a song in English. Tourists are extremely important to them.

They were gracious enough to let us see the inside of their home.

An early morning sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti followed by a champagne breakfast was a perfect treat we will never take for granted.

Zanzibar is known for the beautiful beaches off the coast of the Indian Ocean as well as spices (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper). This is where we ended our trip with relaxation and good food.

This was our guide. His name was "Prosper". One of his previous tourist gave him this Tommy Hilfiger shirt and he wore it proudly. In his broken English, he sang "Country Roads" and "In the Jungle The Mighty Jungle" with us - we will never forget Prosper.